mixed-mode CD tracklist

The words behind the sounds on this month's CD and CD-ROM

DrumCheck

Bob Henrit tries out the latest in a flurry of products from Simmons — a MIDI'ed sampled percussion expander

Master Bits Sampling Collection 500, 600, 700 and 800

When your music cries out for the sounds of synths that you haven't got, your sampler can be your best friend. Tim Goodyer samples four CDs packed with the sounds of synths, drum machines and even samplers.

MIDI Patch Transmitter

This latest add-on for the popular MIDIVERB and MIDIFEX lets you control the effect patch selection remotely by hand. Tony Hastings wishes he had thought of the idea first.

Roland's latest MIDI controller is certainly an improvement over their previous efforts, but the competition has got tougher, too. Simon "Chops" Trask gives the new MKB the once-over.

MIDI Guitar System

Is the practical MIDI guitar finally with us? Bob O'Donnell checks out the latest, and most promising, MIDI guitar controller from Yamaha.

Multi-Dimensional Synthesisers

Expanding the "user waveform"approach of their K3 to almost full additive waveform proportions has given Kawai what they call a "multi-dimensional" synthesiser. Bob O'Donnell likes what he hears.

The Pioneering Spirit

ELECTRONIC PATCHBAY

Tantek enters the professional market with a patchbay par excellence.

Kawai's latest 16-voice multitimbral keyboard is packed with features and aimed fairly and squarely at D50/ESQ territory. Its PCM sampled waveforms include drums and percussion, a host of standard and exotic instruments, as well as the best of the additive synth waveforms gleaned from the K5. It also has one ace up its sleeve - its price. Ian Gilby tells it like it is.

It may sound like something out of a Dr Who plot but this British electronic patchbay system attracted enormous interest from pro studio users at this year's APRS show. David Mellor got hold of a Matrix to find out just what all the fuss is about.

layers a gogo

Synth Module

Synth Revival, Sounds Realistic, er... Stop Rashes

Music workstation

Keyboard-driven control

Guitar Multi-Effects Processor

A multi-effects processor for the guitarist who wants instant gratification without all that tedious mucking about in hyperspace? Paul White plugs into the ART SGX-LT.

Roland U20 Keyboard

Is the U20 just a revamped U110 with a keyboard or does it have what it takes to de-throne the Korg M1? Paul Ireson finds out.

MIDI Controller Keyboard

Simon Trask takes command of Orla’s 88-note weighted keyboard, and brings the sensitivity of the concert pianist to this MIDI module interface. Will the C80 respond?

MIDI Keyboard Controller

'Walk tall, walk straight and look the world right in the eye' - as Val Doonican once said. Now you can with Roland's portable MIDI keyboard controller, designed for those with a severe case of guitar envy. Nicholas Rowland discusses the angle of the dangle

Patches for the Yamaha DX21, Roland MKS80, Casio CZ101 and Ensoniq ESQ1 make up this month's selection of readers' sounds for you to try for yourself.

Professional Polyphonic Synth

Studio Sound Techniques

Tape echo techniques for reel-to-reel machines.

The readers' synth sound page. Almost a Yamaha takeover this month, with CS01, CS60 and DX7 models all featured, plus a token Roland.

Our regular monthly exploration of upcoming new products.